Sensei Chris brings with him 30 years of training, primarily in traditional Okinwan Shorin-ryu Karate. Sensei’s specialty, or as he would refer to it, his “great love” is kata, both empty hand and weapons. Sensei Chris has re-emphasized the importance of basics particularly stance work. He can often be heard exposing the importance of building from the “ground up.”

Sensei Chris’ impact on the tightening up of techniques, the uniformity in execution, and the overall sharpness of kata performance can be seen amongst all the students attending his classes. His influence is felt in the other classes as well, as the other black belt instructors are filtering down his message. The katas performed in the latest round of promotions both impressed and pleased Master Sawyer.

Sensei Chris teaches the adult kata classes on Friday evenings at 7:00PM.

Tournament Coverage .

17 year old Sempai Gilberto Alejo wins Kumite Grand Champion.

Dreams do come true for those who believe… and work hard enough.
Gilberto Alejo began his karate training in 2000 at the age of 10.
In 2004 he was promoted to 1st degree Black Belt and received his 2nd
degree in 2006. On Saturday May 12, 2007, he hit the high point of his 17 years.

An avid competitor Mr. Alejo was attending the Spirit of Budo Tournament, in Primm Nv., with his instructors and classmates. He knew many of his fellow competitors from past competitions, and in many cases they took turns in coming out on top. In Gilberto’s previous outing, in December of 2006, against many of the same black belts, Gilberto won 1st Place in the 17 and Under Black Belt Kumite division. This tournament was off to a good start, Gilberto had finished his Kata (forms) competition in 3rd place. Next up was the Junior (17 and under) Black Belt Kumite (point sparring) event.

Gilberto skill and hard work paid off as he advanced thru the competition, earning him a shot at the top trophy. In the final match, which went undecided to the final point, Gilberto proved victorious over a long time rival. This was a great ending to a tournament outing, but more was to come. Special permission was granted by tournament promoters Masters Dan Sawyer and Richard Rabago for Gilberto to compete for the Kumite Grand Champion. This meant that he would have to compete against the winners of the 3 adult kumite divisions. Two fights stood between him and the title. The years of hard work and preparation paid off. Gilberto skillfully defeated both of his adversaries to win the coveted Grand Championship title. To make this even sweeter, Gilberto’s dad, (both parents have been strong supporters of this young man’s pursuits) as well as his instructors and classmates were there to share in the tears of joy. Master Sawyer graciously allowed Gilberto’s teacher, Chief Instructor Vladimir Mialovski to make the presentation.

What a wonderful Mother’s Day gift this was to Gilbert’s mom.

June Promotions as seen by Sempai Gilberto Alejo.
 This month we had School Promotions for the students, earning their newest belts.
 In each class they attend, the students look forward to improving and learning new skills.
This gave each of the students the opportunity to display what they have learned over the past several months.

 This promotion has moved students to newer classes where they will begin working hard for their next promotion. Senseis Vladimir, Andy, and Chris are constantly guiding the students along the path of self improvement in the martial arts.

10 Year old defends him self from bike jacking attack.

Walter Robbins was relaxing in his living room one afternoon when his 10 year old son, Christian, appeared outside his front door dragging his bike. Mr. Robbins immediately noticeD that his son looked dirty and disheveled as if he had been rolling on the ground.
As any concerned father would, Mr. Robbins, quickly asked what was wrong. His son now became upset and said “They tried to jack my bike!”

Mr. Robbins attempted to calm Christian down and get the full story. It seems that five boys, approximately 10 to 12 years of age, attempted to steal his bike. When dad asked what did he do, Christian, still choked up and upset replied “ I, I  beat them up!”

Christian had been riding his bike on his street when five boys surrounded him and attempted the theft. One of the boys pushed him to the ground, and Christian instinctively broke his fall by doing a back slap out. He then eliminated his first attacker with a solid punch to the stomach, and another youth was taken out by a punch to the face. A front kick to the stomach eliminated attacker number three. One of the boys tried to leave the scene by riding off on Christian’s bike but Christian responded with a jumping side kick which knocked the youngster to the ground. Attacker number five put Christian in a headlock which Christian got out of by landing several punches until his attacker yielded. As soon as he could get clear Christian grabbed his bike and headed for home.

It wasn’t until he reached the safety of his home did the young man let his emotions get the better of him. Yes he was scared during the entire encounter, but he remembered what his karate instructor, Sensei Vladimir Mialovski, had always told him. When in a fight, remain calm, focus on your technique, and do whatever is necessary to get away unhurt. At the time of the attack, Christian was an orange belt and had been training with Sensei approximately one year.

At the International Academy of Martial Arts, Sensei Vladimir and his staff focus on developing self confidence in the students as well as teaching fighting and self defense skills. Not all confrontations will work out this way. The instructors caution students to avoid physical confrontations whenever possible, but realize how important it is to arm them with the skills that they will need if the occasion arises. We all hope that the physical skills learned in the dojo will never be called upon in a real situation, but it’s nice to know they can be called upon when necessary. I think Christian and his dad feel that this last year was not wasted and that he still has much to learn.

Demo class to begin raising the bar.

Sense Vladimir has announced that the Saturday 10:00AM demo class will begin to start structuring a performance kata. Since its inception last fall the class, which is open to all students, has been concentrating on gymnastic basics and the students have improved amazingly. The class’s new direction will begin after the return from our Summer break in mid-July.

In the past the students have performed admirably when called upon to perform at demos. With the inclusion of this class the students have been able to expand their repertoire. Sensei Vladimir has received several requests to perform demos and we all want to raise the bar and put our best foot, hand, and body forward.

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